302. Telegram From the Embassy in Turkey to the Department of State0
758. Foreign Minister Erkin (who returned last night) asked me come in urgently see him at 2:15 PM today. Said he had several “very fruitful” conversations with Venizelos in Paris1 in which mutually recognizing that break on Cyprus would mean disruption of otherwise constructive Greek-Turk relationship, they had come to agreement that effort should be made by both parties in Cyprus to work out difficulties under constitution at this stage in thought that unreasonable to declare constitution unworkable until honest effort made apply it. In consequence Venizelos had given assurance he would send message that effect to Makarios and make clear he would stand with Erkin if Makarios refused compliance and Erkin had given similar assurance with reference Kutchuk. Kyprianou was present at one of meetings in which this policy laid out.
As consequence Erkin had left Paris greatly reassured only to hear on return of serious disorders which had taken place and as result of which he summoned by Inonu to headquarters of Turkish General Staff to discuss what to be done in light of rapid deterioration in situation and increasing danger to Turkish community.
Erkin said he had first suggested consultation as provided by treaty but Inonu felt this would be too slow to meet possibly imminent holocaust and felt should proceed forthwith to intervention. He accordingly instructed Erkin so propose to British and Greek Governments through their Ambassadors here and also make same request of USG through me.
I said distressed hear GOT had reason believe situation so serious as call for such extreme action but, if that its evaluation, understood approach to British and Greeks as guarantors under treaty. What I did not understand however was basis on which we being approached since our only status in matter hitherto had been as friend of all concerned trying be helpful. Erkin acknowledged this was the case and would have to leave it to us how approach matter. Formalities aside, it was opinion of GOT that our participation could be decisive even if only on token basis. Further than that he did not feel he could go.
[Page 595]Comment: I gathered that Erkin realized he was making unusual request but that he was acting under orders which he did not feel able question.